How to DIY it

Expedia (expedia.co.uk) is running a campaign promising to save you money if you book your whole holiday in one go. But how good is it?

We picked a 10-day break to Sydney, starting on Dec 1, with flights, accommodation and car hire booked through Expedia, which claims a saving of £1,568.64. Here's how to beat Expedia's "sale price". The flight, a return via Singapore with Singapore Airlines, is very good value at £753pp, though no cheaper than booking through the airline's own site (singaporeair.com).

The hotel, seven nights at the Pacific International Apartments near Darling Harbour, is charged at £67.14 per night. But you can get a better deal by going to the hotel's own website (pacificinthotels.com) where the same room is £60.52.

Expedia is charging £23 a day car hire, but a local provider (airportrentacar.com.au/sydneyrates.htm) can bring it in at £16.10 per day. Total Expedia price, based on two sharing, with insurance: £1,117.31pp . Total indie price: £1,021.17pp.